Faster uptake of new technologies and innovative new medicines is vital to helping the Government deliver its goal of better treatment for patients on the NHS.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry attended the Prime Minister’s speech at Ealing Hospital, London, today to hear how the Government wants to progress its NHS reforms. The speech was part of the Government’s listening exercise to hear views from healthcare staff, patients and industry on the reforms set out in its Health and Social Care bill.

The ABPI is representing industry in talks with Government about the reforms, underlining the very real opportunity to deliver better treatment for patients coupled with improved efficiency for the NHS.

It is absolutely key that the Nicholson Review of the diffusion of innovation in the NHS examines the use of medicines as a priority.

An ABPI spokesperson said:

"To achieve these benefits, it is essential that all the bodies responsible for implementing NHS reforms have an obligation to foster the use of innovation in the NHS. If the NHS is too slow to embrace new technologies, there will be missed opportunities to improve healthcare, and it is patients who feel the loss most."

The UK has amongst the lowest prices in Europe, but continues to lag behind in the uptake of innovative new medicines suggesting price alone is not the main driver of access in the NHS.

The ABPI fully agrees that the Government and the NHS should seek value for money from medicines and our industry must demonstrate the full value of its medicines. It is for Government to put in place processes which assess that full value, and then secure access to that value for NHS patients.

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About the ABPI

We represent innovative research-based biopharmaceutical companies, both large and small, leading an exciting new era of biosciences in the UK.

Our industry, a major contributor to the economy of the UK, brings life-saving and life-enhancing medicines to patients. Our members supply 90 per cent of all medicines used by the NHS, and are researching and developing 90 per cent of the current medicines pipeline, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of helping patients prevent and overcome diseases.

We are the Government recognised body negotiating the pricing of branded medicines on behalf of the entire industry. Working with our Research Affiliate Members, we promote the UK as a destination of choice for international life sciences investment.

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